The Shape of Things to Come : Exploring the Future of the Human Body

In this humane and important exploration of modern medicine, Druin Burch examines the future of medicine, our changing physicalities and the implications of longer life. From birth to death and through the exploration of topics such as disease, sex, mind, eating and drinking, Burch tracks the future of medicine by looking at what is already possible today. Weaving in insights from literature, art and history, The Shape of Things to Come considers the cultural complexity surrounding medicine as well as its impact on the humanities. As a specialist in geriatric medicine Burch writes with a keen understanding of the medical profession. He outlines the areas of medicine which have seen the greatest improvements and optimistically offers insight into further advancements. Praise for Druin Burch: 'A writer of searing intelligence and lively wit' GOOD BOOK GUIDE 'Each chapter is a self-contained pleasure to read' SUNDAY TIMES 'Intriguing and informed' THE TIMES A perspective vision of what the future holds for our bodies and our lives as our power to reshape them grows. Over centuries we have grown faster and taller, fatter and lazier, stronger and fitter, longer lived and healthier. Our modern lives alter our stresses and our recreations, our sleeping patterns and our childhoods. We stuff ourselves with drugs and alter our looks and change our height and shape. A good portion of our life is spent consciously trying to reshape ourselves. The rest of the time the shaping continues all the same. We are thoroughly normal in all of this, save that we have become more effective and more deliberate at it than any species or any generation that has gone before. From birth to death through sex, happiness, beauty, power and intelligence, Burch examines what we have achieved today and weaves insights from literature, art, history and medical practice into a picture of what our tomorrows hold. -- Provided by publisher